Im backpacking round southern africa in august and dont no what sort of footwear i should buy; boots, sandels etc Not sure what the climates like at that time of year or if they should be waterproof, can you advise me and recommend some possible brands, thankyou! :D also if anyone can tell me how much you can get by on if on a shoestring budget that would be fab as funds are very limited!

Hey sophie, i dont know hwhere you are right now, but i have never gone wrong with Roots Boots, they are leather boots, just over the ankle...they are good for hiking, walking, running (from lions), they are super tuff as well. I swear by them, I had the same pair for ALL my travels of 4 years. They are 130$ CDN to buy, so about 95$ American about.

they are available in Canada at any Roots store, or you may be able to get them online, i dunno....

As for sandels, i would be wary about those, you don't wanna end up with blisters, and unless you wanna pay big bucks for really, really good ones, just get cheapies and keep them in your pack.

PS...don't forget to register on Travelpunk.com, we are a good bunch here, i swear!!!!!

I havenīt seen a Roots down in LA, but thatīs not to say that they arenīt there! I know Roots is a great brand because when I worked in production for some studios, they would by their jackets, hats, fleece, etc...(with the tv show logo or what not) from Roots. And Hollywood studios always buy from the best!

Definitely something durable and comfortable AND DONīT FORGET TO BREAK THEM IN WELL BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

ROOTS, LL BEAN, REI, EDDIE BAUER, are some top respectable brands. It can be costly, but itīs your feet! And like Canadian Dude said, you can use that ONE pair for all your future travels! Could be worth it to shell out a little more dough for something that will last, and last, and last...You do get what you pay for ^_^